EU follows energy price rises with concern, spokesperson says

BRUSSELS, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is closely monitoring rising energy prices amid disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference, Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said the EU was following developments in global energy markets with concern, but stressed that the bloc does not face an immediate oil or gas supply emergency.

She noted that EU member states hold oil stocks or equivalent reserves sufficient for around 90 days.

"We are far less concerned about the security of supply than we are about the high energy prices," she said.

Itkonen also confirmed that G7 countries would discuss the possible release of strategic reserves at a meeting on Monday. ■